Plant nutrients play a significant role in yield and help plants to stand in adverse climate conditions plant nutrients big key to successful plant adaptation in every harsh environment. All metabolisms in plants totally depend upon this nutrient which is a big source of energy. Bio elements are essential nutrients that play a significant role in plant growth. Studies have indicated that out of the 17 elements, 13 are considered bio elements for plants.
These elements are further categorized into macro and microelements in plant nutrition. Macro elements encompass six elements, while micro elements consist of ten elements. However, recent research is still investigating the classification of sodium, silicon, and nickel, which may potentially be included as micronutrients. These three elements are currently referred to as beneficial elements. Here, we provide a brief overview of major micronutrients.
Arnon Criteria of Nutrient:
Arnon established a set of criteria to determine the essentiality of a nutrient, which serves as a focal point for supplying nutrients to plants. According to Arnon, an essential nutrient is characterized by its indispensable role in the plant’s life cycle. Without this particular nutrient, plants are unable to complete their life cycle successfully, encompassing growth, development, and reproduction. The deficiency of such a nutrient cannot be compensated for by the presence of other elements, making it irreplaceable in supporting plant functions.
There are 17 essential elements that are required for plant growth and development. These elements can be divided into two categories: macronutrients, which are required in large quantities, and micronutrients, which are required in smaller quantities. Here is a list of the 17 essential elements:
Macronutrients:
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Oxygen (O)
- Nitrogen (N)
- Phosphorus (P)
- Potassium (K)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Sulfur (S)
Micronutrients:
- Iron (Fe)
- Manganese (Mn)
- Zinc (Zn)
- Copper (Cu)
- Molybdenum (Mo)
- Chlorine (Cl)
- Boron (B)
- Nickel (Ni)
Important Plant Nutrients and Their Roles
1. Nitrogen:
Nitrogen plays a crucial role in the production of high yields in fodder crops and is also essential for the growth of various other crop types. However, there are significant risks associated with nitrogen, particularly in sandy soils with low organic matter content and high rainfall conditions. These conditions contribute to the leaching process, where nitrogen is easily washed away, resulting in its loss from the soil.
The disadvantages of nitrogen include leaching and volatilization, both of which are influenced by environmental factors. In high-temperature conditions, nitrogen is prone to leaching during periods of excessive rainfall, leading to its movement beyond the root zone. Additionally, nitrogen can volatilize in gaseous form at high temperatures, further reducing its availability to plants.
Aside from its impact on plant colouration, nitrogen plays a direct role in various physiological processes within plants. It is involved in the formation of amino acids, which are building blocks for proteins and other essential compounds. This direct involvement in amino acid synthesis enhances overall plant growth processes.
2. Phosphorous:
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for healthy plant growth and development. It plays a vital role in root elongation, nutrient uptake, and early growth stages. A strong, healthy root system is essential for a plant to thrive, as the roots act as the foundation for the rest of the plant’s growth. However, phosphorus availability can be limited in soils that are high in pH, heavy, or acidic.
Plants that are deficient in phosphorus may exhibit symptoms such as red stems, stunted growth, poor root structure, and purple leaves. Fortunately, foliar fertilizer sprays can help address this issue by providing a direct source of phosphorus to the plant.
Phosphorus is directly involved in the formation of energy units such as ATP, ADP, and AMP, which are essential for many cellular processes. It also plays a critical role in grain formation. Additionally, phosphorus helps determine the tip of the plant, which is important for proper growth and development.
3. Potassium:
Phosphorus is essential for healthy root growth, nutrient absorption, and early plant development. A strong root system is crucial for plant survival and growth. However, high pH, heavy, or acidic soil can make phosphorus availability risky. Phosphorus deficiency can be identified by red stem colour, poor rooting structure, stunted growth, and purple leaf colour. Phosphorus is involved in energy production and grain formation, making it essential for plant growth. Foliar fertilizer sprays can address phosphorus deficiency.
Potash, a source of potassium, plays a vital role in managing plant resistance, water management, food translocation, and fruit taste. It also regulates the opening and closing of the stomata. However, potassium availability can be limited in sandy soil, soils with high magnesium and calcium levels, and potassium-fixing soil. Potassium deficiency can cause leaf necrosis, leaf tip burn, increased susceptibility to drought and pathogens, and crop lodging. Careful use of potash is important since it can be leached from sandy soils. HORTISUL can be effective in addressing potassium deficiencies during peak demand.
4. Magnesium:
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants, as it is directly involved in chlorophyll and the photosynthesis process. It is also responsible for activating many enzymes in plants. However, high levels of potassium and calcium can reduce the availability of magnesium in the soil. Magnesium availability can also be limited in high and low-pH soils, soils with high potash and calcium levels, sandy soils, and soils with poor root architecture.
Magnesium is particularly helpful for plant leaves. A deficiency of magnesium can cause chlorosis, which is the yellowing of the leaves, particularly in the midrib of leaves, especially in broad-leaved crops. Speckling may also occur in the leaves. To address magnesium deficiency, growers can use foliar sprays or apply magnesium to the soil. EPSO is an example of a foliar spray that can be used to treat magnesium deficiency. By ensuring that plants have sufficient magnesium, growers can help their crops grow and achieve optimal yields.
5. Sulphur:
Sulphur is an essential nutrient for oilseed crops, as it is required for the production of oil-produced hormones Sistine and Sestina. It is also a vital component of some essential plant proteins. However, sulphur availability can be limited in sandy soil, soils with low organic matter, high winter rainfall, and milling wheat.
Sulphur is typically used in a water-soluble form and can be added through manure. A deficiency of sulphur can be identified by yellow leaves, reddish leaf colour, and cup-shaped leaves.
Sulphur indirectly plays a role in chlorophyll formation and activates co-enzyme A, which has a major role in the Krebs cycle. Sulphur also aids in the production of ferredoxin, which is helpful in photosystem 1. By ensuring that plants have sufficient sulphur, growers can help their crops grow and thrive.
6. Manganese:
Manganese is a trace element that is important for activating many enzymes in the nitrogen cycle. However, manganese availability can be limited in seedbed preparation, high-pH soils, and organic soils. A deficiency of manganese can be identified by mottled leaves and speckling, which can convert to necrosis. Foliar application of EPSO can correct manganese deficiency.
7. Boron:
Boron is essential for flowering, cell division, and cell elongation. Oilseed crops have a high requirement for boron. Boron availability can be limited in high-pH soils, dry conditions, and sandy soils. A deficiency of boron can cause death of the growing point, root rotting and hollowing, and misshaped leaves. A foliar application of EPSO can be used to recover from boron deficiency.
8. Zinc:
Zinc is an important plant nutrient that plays a role in seed production, root growth, and disease resistance. While plants require zinc in small quantities, a deficiency of zinc can lead to low crop yields. Zinc availability can be limited in sandy soils, soils with high levels of magnesium or calcium, and soils with high pH levels, which can make zinc unavailable to plants.
A deficiency of zinc can cause chlorosis, or yellowing, on older leaves and can lead to stunted growth. To address zinc deficiency, growers can use foliar sprays or apply zinc to the soil. By ensuring that plants have sufficient zinc, growers can help their crops grow and resist disease.
9. Other
Chlorine, iron, calcium, and copper are all important nutrients that contribute to plant yield. These nutrients play a crucial role in activating enzymes in plants that are helpful for other processes, and they also help bind nutrients together, such as iron acting as chelates. Chlorine helps maintain the osmotic balance in cells, while calcium plays a role in the formation of the cell wall.
While these nutrients are considered minor nutrients, they are still essential for plant growth and yield. Therefore, their use is recommended to ensure that plants have sufficient amounts of these nutrients. By providing plants with the necessary nutrients, growers can help their crops grow and reach their full potential in terms of yield and quality.
Ali Haider, Noor Fatima, Aoun Abbas and Muhammad Nouman
University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
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